Michigan chaplain is hunting for souls

FR. MARK BAUER says he’s thrilled that Legatus is growing in Grand Rapids . . .

Fr. Mark Bauer

Fr. Mark Bauer
Grand Rapids Chapter

Originally ordained as a religious order priest with the Italian Oblates of the Virgin Mary, Fr. Mark Bauer now serves as pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Caledonia, Mich., in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. He enjoys reading history and deer hunting. When he’s not hunting for venison, the 56-year-old priest is hunting for souls — especially in his role as chaplain for Legatus’ Grand Rapids Chapter. He said he enjoys serving as the chapter’s spiritual guide and would like to see the reinstituted chapter grow. He spoke with Legatus magazine’s editorial assistant Tim Drake.

Where are you from originally? Tell me about your family.

I grew up on the other side of Michigan in the greater Detroit area. Both of my parents are first-generation Americans. My dad’s parents were from Germany, my mom’s mother was from Germany, and her father was French-Canadian. My father was a lab technician and my mother had been in accounting, but became a full-time stay-at-home mom after my brother was born. I have an older brother and a younger sister. I’m the responsible middle child.

What led you to consider the priesthood?

It was my parents’ love and respect for the Eucharist and priesthood. When my parents became engaged they prayed that they would have children and that one of them would become a priest, nun or religious brother. The privilege of serving Mass was something that was emphasized for my brother and me. Sunday Mass was always an occasion — the high point of the day. I attended Catholic schools up through fifth grade.

When and where were you ordained?

I was originally in the Italian religious order The Oblates of the Virgin Mary. While the rest of my classmates were ordained in Rome, I received permission to be ordained at home in Detroit at St. Mary’s, the parish where I was baptized.

It was my father’s parish and the parish where I served Mass every Sunday before I entered the seminary. The bishop who ordained me — Bishop Richard Ackerman of Covington, Ky. — had been a young associate there when my dad was a kid. He knew my father’s family. I was ordained on June 14, 1986.

How did you first become acquainted with Legatus?

Just hearing about it, following Tom Monaghan. Being a Detroit Tigers’ fan, I had always been impressed with Tom Monaghan and had heard about Legatus through various sources. I’ve served as chaplain since about 2007 or 2008.

How would you like to see the chapter progress?

Well, I’d like to see it progress number-wise. I believe we have 26 couples. I think that more people need to hear about Legatus’ mission. The chapter here had died out and was reinstituted. We’ve made a comeback and are growing again, but the idea of being ambassadors for Christ is an important one. It’s the message of the New Evangelization.

I see my role really as being a spiritual leader and guide for the people. Sometimes they have questions. Some of them might be of a personal nature, others are geared to the chapter itself.

What are your hobbies?

Reading history and hunting. I don’t have the time, but I used to do bow hunting with my brother. Now my hunting has been reduced to the firearm season. I take a week and go hunting. Last year was a good year. I was in the running for the buck pool for the largest buck.

Do you have a favorite saint or devotion?

My favorite saint would be St. Peter. My favorite devotion would be to the Sacred Heart on the first Friday of the month. It’s a devotion I’d like to see make a comeback. It speaks volumes about God’s love and what he did for us.

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